Furnace Repair vs. Replacement

When Repairs or Replacement are Necessary

• Occasionally, a faulty furnace causes some rooms in the home to be much hotter or colder than the rest of the house. Poor insulation or ductwork also contributes to this problem. In addition, leaky ductwork and poor furnace operation leads to excess humidity or dryness.

Furnace Age

• Age alone can determine whether your should repair or replace your furnace. EnergyStar.gov reports that most furnaces should be replaced once they reach 15 years old. After this point, various parts may begin to break, and the age of the materials can impede proper furnace functioning.

Cost

• Calculate the immediate and long-term cost of repairing against replacing your furnace. If your furnace needs little more than a routine cleaning or small adjustments and it's less than 10 years old, repairing it may be a better option than buying a new unit. However, if extensive work is needed, replacing it may cost the same or just a little more. If your furnace isn't highly energy-efficient, calculate your average usage with your utility bills, and compare it to the energy usage of any potential new units you might purchase. You may find that you'll save money in the long run in return for an immediate investment. You may also qualify for a tax credit given for energy-efficient home purchases.

Other Considerations

• If no one is in the home during daytime hours, and your furnace doesn't have a programmable thermostat, installing one with the current system can save energy, if the furnace is otherwise functioning well.